2026 Poster​

Gulf Shores-based artist Tara McMeans has been named the winner of
the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, organizers announced today.

The win marks the second time McMeans has won the contest, having entered for more than a decade. A graphic designer since 2000, McMeans holds a degree in commercial art from Faulkner State, now Coastal Alabama Community College, and is the owner of Design, Print, Promote.

The poster is a mixed media collage layering old sheet music with newspaper clippings
referencing the Shrimp Festival over the past decade. Torn paper and magazine cutouts
form the lettering, while a shrimp serves as the focal point, which McMeans created with a palette knife using layered watercolor and acrylic paints.

“This year I wanted to create something unlike anything that has been done before,”
McMeans said. “I still can’t quite believe it. I’m beyond honored to have my artwork
once again featured in my community. It makes me feel so good to see it around town on t-shirts and in local establishments.”

In addition to having her artwork serve as the face of the festival’s marketing and
merchandise, McMeans will receive a $1,000 cash prize and will appear at the event for a poster signing.